Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 04/17/2023

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(6) Landscaped buffer yards as required by the city's landscaping regulations in Section 1001.24, Subd. 7 Screening, Buffering and Fencing may count toward the trees required for replacement/reforestation trees as shown on a reforestation plan. (7) The city recognizes that there may be developments where required reforestation cannot be practically be performed on site. Cash-in-lieu of (or in combination with) replacement tree inches will be accepted per the city fee schedule ($125 per replacement inch). Any restitution shall be placed in the community planting fund and shall be used for reforestation projects in the city. Subd. 6 Requirements for Reforestation Plans. (1) The reforestation plan shall be prepared and signed by a licensed forester or a registered landscape architect and shall meet the following criteria: a. All reforestation trees by location; size (diameter), or height; and species; b. No more than 1/4 of the trees may be from any one species; c. Plant materials shall be of similar vegetation as found on site and preference given for less than six feet high; d. Minimum sizes shall be: 1. Deciduous - no less than 2.5 caliper inches; and 2. Coniferous - no less than six feet high; e. Installation shall follow city standard details; f. Trees shall be from certified nursery stock as defined and controlled by M.S. 18.44 through 18.61, the Plant Pest Act, as maybe amended from time to time; g. A list of recommended species for tree replacement can be obtained for each natural environment type at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, subject to review and approval of the city; and h. Trees shall be covered by a minimum two-year guarantee. Subd. 7 Tree Protection Measures The following measures for the preservation and protection of trees shall be required: (1) Required protective measures. Measures required to protect significant trees and significant woodlands shall include: a. Installation of orange polyethylene laminate safety netting, or an equivalent form of safety netting, and metal stakes placed along the disturbance zone, and around significant trees (at least 1 foot outside the drip line) to be saved: b. Prevention of soil compaction or alteration of existing grades in critical root zones (at least one foot outside of the drip line); c. Placement of utilities in common trenches outside of the critical root zone of significant trees, or use of tunneled installation; d. Prevention of change in soil chemistry due to concrete washout and leakage or spillage of toxic materials, such as fuel or paints; e. Calculation of critical root zones of all significant trees near disturbance zone and adherence to maximum 25% removal of critical root zone;